Types of Water Purifiers & Different Purification Methods

Membrane Technology

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse Osmosis is a very popular water purification method which uses the membrane technology. It removes dissolved salts, impurities and germs from water. The semipermeable membrane has fine pores which allows only the water to pass through it leaving behind harmful chemicals, dissolved salts and microbes suspended in water.

The RO water purification method alters the taste of water. RO technology is suitable for the hard water which has high TDS level.

Ultra-Filtration (UF)

Ultra-filtration purification method also uses membrane technology but has a membrane with bigger pores. It removes all microscopic solid particles in the water failing to remove dissolved solids and salts.

UF purification is as good as RO water purification technology. However, it is suitable for not very hard water and has a very low TDS.

Ultra-Violet (UV)

Ultra-Violet purification aka e-boiling method uses ultra-violet light to kill germs, bacteria, cysts, etc. It is simple and effective process which removes 99.99% harmful organisms in the water. A tiny mercury lamp in the produces a short wave of UV radiation which irradiates the water and penetrates the cells of bacteria and viruses. This process destroys their ability to re-produce due to which microbes fail to multiply and they eventually die.

The dead bodies of germs in this process still remain in water which needs separate filters to be removed physically. This process is more effective with other forms of filtration such as Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon filters.

Carbon-Based

Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon chemically bonds with the water that enters into the system. It helps in removing the chlorine which improves the taste and odor. Due to elimination of organic compounds like humic and fulvic acid, the chlorine in the water does not react with the acids in the water and form trihalomethanes (THMs). These THMs are carcinogenic.

However, activated carbons are not capable of removing all the contaminants from the water.  For instance, sodium, nitrates, microbes and fluorides.

Carbon Block

The Carbon Block filters are block-shaped filters that are composed of crushed carbon particles. These are more effective than other carbon-based filters due to larger surface area. There is direct relation between the rate at which water flows through these filters and their level of effectiveness.

Of all types of block carbon filters, Fibredyne carbon block filters have greater sediment holding capacity.

Granulated Carbon

Granulated carbon as its name suggests uses small grains of carbon to filter your water. Their small surface makes them slightly less effective than their block-shaped counterparts. Here also, the effectiveness of granulated carbon block filter is highly influenced by the rate at which water flows.

Ion-Based

Deionization

Deionization facilitates ion exchange in the water to remove salts and other electrically charged ions. If a contaminant lacks an electrical charge, it will be removed by these filters. Viruses and bacteria will not be removed by these filters.

Ion Exchange

Ion exchange is a technology which uses resin to replace harmful ions with one which are less harmful. This method of purification is used to soften the water since it has ability to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium. However, the resin must be regularly recharged with harmless replacement ions, for the filter to work for a longer duration.

Water Softeners

Water softeners use ion exchange technology to reduce the amount of calcium or magnesium in the water. These harmful elements are replaced with sodium. Water purified with this method contains high level of sodium and thus if you cannot consume more amount of salt, you should avoid softened water. Also, this water shall not be useful for gardening.

Others

Distillation

Distillation is one of the methods which vaporizes water by heating it to exceptionally high temperatures. The vapor is then condensed back into the drinkable water. This process removes minerals, micro-organisms, and chemicals that have a high boiling point. This process cannot remove chlorine and many other organic chemicals.

Filtration

Filtration is a traditional method of water purification. It can be done by different ways like using a clay vessel with suitable pore size, through a cloth and through a winnowing sieve. These filtration methods worked without electricity and removed all impurities, insects, debris etc. from the water.

It does not eliminate all minerals and salts thus making the water healthy and safe for consumption. It is one of the economical methods of purification.

Chlorination

Chlorine is the chemical that kills germs, parasites and other diseases causing organisms in the water from different sources like municipal water or tap water. Water can be purified using chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine. Chlorine removes all the bacteria leaving the water clean and safe for consumption. Also, this is quiet cheap and effective way for water purification.